Refrigerating apparatus



Oct. 15, 1929. J. 6. KING REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 26. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 15, 1929. J. KING 1,732,093

REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 26. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gwumdoi attozvuu s Patented Oct. 15, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JESSE G. KING, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO FRIGID- AIRE CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Application filed October 26, 1927. Serial No. 228,935.

This invention relates to improvements in refrigeratin apparatus and more particularly the re rigerating elements or cooling units adapted for usein mechanical refrigerators.

. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved cooling unit wh1ch can be used in refrigerators of the type in which the cooling unit section or compartment is relatively shallow and relatively wlde and this improved cooling unit is particularly applicable for refrigerators of the type 1n which the ice bunker was built to recelve cakes of ice laid fiat.

It is a further object of the present lnyention to arrange the improved cooling unit to insure free flow and effective cooling of the air circulation of air within the relatively shallow and wide cooling unit section.

In carrying out the above ob ects, I provlde relatively wide heat absorbing surfaces in the form of finsarranged to permit the ready flow of air in intimate contact with the heat absorbing surface, while not 'impalrmg such circulation through the cooling unit, and I arrange for relatively uniform and effective heat transfer relationship between the parts of the heat absorbing surface and the circulating medium to be cooled thereby.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, wherein a preferred form of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings Fig. 1 represents a top view of the improved refrigerating element of the 1nvention- 2 is a sideview of the same;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a portion of the element taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 illustrates a refrigerator equipped with the refrigerating element of the invention and means for circulating air.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the refrigerating element or cooling unit comprises a header or tank 10 which serves as a con- 50 tainer for refrigerating medium, which may for example be sulphur dioxide in liquid form. This tank serves to distribute the refrigerant to coils hereinafter described. The refrigerating medium is led into the tank through a pipe 11. A suitable float valve, not shown, serves to maintain a constant level of liquid in the tank while the vaporized refrigerant is led off from the tank above the liquid level by means of a duct or pipe 12.

A feature of the invention comprises a plurality of cooling ducts formed of a plurality of dependent ducts or loops of pipes all of which are connected to the header in parallel, as shown in the drawing, Fig. 2. These ducts extend downwardly into the air cooled by the refrigerating element. For purposes of simplicity in description these loops will be considered as constituting two groups of loops.

Alternate loops have their major portions disposed on opposite sides of the header so as to form oppositely disposed groups. The loops are also arranged to provide aplurality of sets of loops, one series of loops, referred to as series 1314, comprising a plurality of sets of loops, each set including a loop 13 and a loop 14, and a second series, referred to as series 1516, comprising a plurality of sets of loops, each set including a loop 15 and a loop 16. The loops or ducts forming the same are preferably flattened throughout the greater portion of their length so as to facilitate attachment of fins and to increase the ratio of their effective radiating surface to the refrigerant space.

Of the series of set 13-14, each loop 13 has i a vertical leg 13', Fig. 2, depending substantially adjacent the header 10 and a second vertical leg 13" which is offset laterally a considerable distance from the leg 13'.

The other loops of the series 1314 are indicated by the numeral 14. Each loop 14 has a vertical leg 14' depending downwardly but laterally offset from the header 10. The second vertical leg 14" of this loop depends downwardly substantially adjacent the head er. The loop series 1516 has loops of which a vertically depending leg 15' oflset laterally from the header to a greater extent than leg 13 but not to the same degree as leg 14' so that leg' 15 in effect is really intermediate legs 14' and 13'. The other half 15" of loop 15 is aligned with legs 14" and 13 and disposed adjacent the header. Leg 15" is in the same plane as log 14" and is therefore not visible in Fig. 2, although its top is shown m Fig. 1. Loop 16 similarly has a leg 16 dlsposed laterally offset from the header but not to the same degree as leg 13"; leg 16 may therefore be said to be intermediate legs 14" and 13". The remaining leg 16" of loop 16 extends vertically in the same manner on the opposite side of the header but is not v1s1ble in Fig. 2, although it is indicated in Fig. 3.-

It will be observed that all of the loops marked 13 and 14 are of the same shape but when they are attached to the header alternate loops of a set are turned reversely so that the laterally ofiset legs 13" and 14 PIOJQCt alternately on opposite sides of the header. The legs 13 and 13 are connected at their top and bottom by horizontally extending ducts 13" while the legs 14 and 14" are similarly connected by horizontal ducts 14. Loops 13 and 14 are therefore relatively of greater. Width than height thus producing a very flat refrigerating element.

A plurality of relatively wide fins are connected with the loops and arranged in groups on opposite sides of the header. The fins are elongated in a lateral direction of the header in the form of wings lying preferably in the direction of circulating air of medium flowing thereover. Each half of the loop set 13-14 has a copper fin 17 attached to it, one fin being therefore on one side of the header and the other fin on the other side of the header, the two fins lying in the same plane to provide a set of fins.

An important feature of the present 1nvention lies in establishing an effective temperature difference between all parts of the fin wings and the medium to be cooled. In the specific embodiment illustrated, in order to establish a more nearly uniform temperature of the parts of the wings adjacent the header and the parts of the wings adjacent the tips, I extend the refrigerant conveying ducts outwardly at least midway to the tips thereof and thereby reduce the temperature gradient between these parts. These fins or wings are preferably soldered to the legs 13" and 14 so as to insure good thermal contact.

The most laterally ofi 'set loops 13" and 14' are preferably held in spaced relation by means of tie-bars 18 which are soldered to the bottom of the loops. The less laterally disposed loops 14" and 13' are similarly held in spaced relation by tie-bars 19. Similar tiebars 20 may be used to retain the outer edges of the fins in spaced relation.

A feature of the invention consists in locating a substantial portion of the header 10 within the height of the fins, as shown in Fig. 2. The horizontal plane passing through the center of the header is approximately the same as that defining the top edges of the fins. By thus depressing the header the unit may be used in places where it is impossible to install units of other types due to the cramped space available. The refrigerating elements illustrated are therefore particularly suitable for installation in low, flat cooling chambers.

It is thus apparent that the refrigerating element of the invention comprises a header, and a plurality of sets of dependent loops provided with fins, the fins being attached to the sets having loops extending the greatest distance laterally either side of the header. The space between the parallel dependent loop sets 13 -14 is therefore occupied by a set of loops which bear no fins and the legs of which do not extend laterally offset from the header to the same extent as the legs to which the fins are attached. These unfinned loops aid in cooling and yet provide a structure less likelyto-form frost bridges between the finned loops than if all of the loops were provided with fins. It is also apparent that one surface of the loops of each duct is located in substantially the same vertical plane as one surface of the loops of another duct. This is shown clearly in Fig. 3 where the surface of loop 14 attached to the fin lies in the same plane as the surface of loop 13 also attached to the fin. The fins of a given set therefore lie in the same plane although they are separated by a space 21 and are disposed on opposite sides of the header. The fins form channels or passageways of large heat absorbing surface through which air may circulate.

Fig. 4 shows the improved refrigerating element mounted in a refrigerator cabinet where but little head room is available. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet having an exterior wall 22 and a lining 23, the space 24 between the exterior and interior being filled with a suitable heat insulating material such as corkboard or the like. A chilling chamber or section is provided, preferably at the topmost portion of the cabinet and comprises a bottom wall 26 of insulating material and baffle side walls 25. The walls are attached to the front and rear walls (not shown) of the cabinet. Flues 28 are provided in the bottom Wall or floor of the chilling compartment and these may be provided with a dri hood 27. The bafiie side walls of the chamber do not extend to the top of the cabinet but are arranged so as to provide openings 32 which communicate with flues 29 leading to the lower portion of the cabinet.

The refrigerating element of the invention is mounted in the chilling chamber in any suitable manner such as by means of hanger members 21 attached to the header. Shelves 31 are provided in the cabinet and may be of any suitable type, either made of screening or built solid and spaced from the walls so as to permit free circulation of air within the cabinet. They may also be built in sec chamber. The air after cooling the Contents of the refrigerator, ascends and is forced back to the cooling unit through flue-s 29 located between the bafile 'side walls of the chilling chamber and the inside walls of the cabinet. Thefins being spaced from one another provide a plurality of air channels, the

ends as well as the tops and bottoms of which are open so that air leaving the flues 29 can pass directly sidewise as well as downwardly into the air channels. The contents of the cabinet are therefore effectively cooled, the air circulation being indicated by the arrows in Fig. 4.

While the form of embodiment of the invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a pre fered form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. A refrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, a plurality of duct loops depending from said header and connected thereto in parallel, said loops being arranged in two series, one series comprising loops each having a vertically depending leg substantially laterally offset from the header, and a leg depending vertically adjacent the header, said legs being connected by u per and lower horizontal legs of substantlally greater length than the height of said vertical legs, the second series of loops having similar legs disposed parallel with and interspersed'between the loops of said first series and similarly connected-by horizontal legs, and fins on one of said series only, said fins extending substantially above the upper horizontal connecting legs, a substantial por tion of said header being below the top edges of said fins.

2-. A refrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, a plurality of duct loops depending from said header and connected thereto in parallel, said loops being arranged in two series, one series comprising loops each having a vertically depending leg substantially laterally offset fromthe said header, and a leg depending vertically adjacent the header and on the other side of said header, said legs being connected by horizontal legs of substantially greater length than the height of said vertical legs, the second series of loops having similar legs disposed parallel with and interspersed between the loops of said first series, and having its laterally offset legs offset to a lesser degree than the most laterally offset legs of said first series and similarly connected by horizontal legs, fins on said first series only, said fins ex-.

tending substantially above the topmost horizontal connectin .le and a substantial portion of said hea er fling below the top edges of said fins.

3. A refrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, a series of duct loops depending from said header and connected thereto in parallel, and includin a group of loops having a'vertically depen ing leg laterally offset from the header, and a leg dependin vertically adjacent the header, and a second group of loops substantially in mirror symmetry with the first group on the opposite side of the vertical axial plane of the header, upper and lower horizontal legs connecting the vertical legs of each loop, said horizontal legs being of substantially greater length than the vertical legs; a second series of loops disposed parallel with and interspersed between the loops of the first series; fins disposed on one side of the header and connected to the loops of the first group, similar fins disposed on the other side of the header and connected to the loops of the second group, corresponding loops of each group being so placed along the header that the fins attached to each lie in substantially the same plane. 1

ment; a low flat chilling compartment above and substantially co-extensive with the horizontal dimensions of the storage compartment; and a refrigerating element'within the chilling compartment including a header, a plurality of ducts depending from the header for circulating refrigerant, and fins' secured to said ducts extending above a substantial portion of the header, the horizontal length of the fins being substantially greater than the vertical height, said compartments being constructed and arranged to circulate cold air from the chilling compartment into the storage compartment and warm air from the storage compartment into the chilling compartment.

' 5. Arefrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, a group of duct loops depending from the header, the loops being laterally ofiset on one side of the header, a fin secured to one faceof each loop, a second group of duct loops similarly shaped to the loops of the first group and reversed with respect thereto and laterally offset on the other side of the header, a fin attached to one face of each loop ofthe second group, the finned faces of the 100 s in one group being disposed in planes a jacent the finned faces of the corresponding loops in the other group whereby the corresponding fins lie in substantially the same plane. c

6. A refrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, a group of duct loops dependin from the header, the loops being laterally 0 set on one side of the 4. In a refrigerator a storage compartheader, a fin secured to one face of each loop, a second group of duct loops similarly shaped to the loops of the first set and reversed with respect thereto and laterally offset on the other side of the header, a fin attached to one face of each loop of the second group, the finned faces of the loops in one roup being disposed in planes adjacent the nned faces of the corresponding loops in the other set to place the corresponding fins in substantially the same plane, and a series of duct loops connected to the header and interspersed between the fins.

7. A refrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, a plurality of pairs of ducts connected to the header for circulating refrigerant, each pair including a depending duct offset laterally from the header and a depending duct adjacent the header, a fin secured to each of said pairs of ducts and extending above a substantial portion of the header, and a set of ducts without fins connected to the header and interspersed between the fins.

8. A refrigerating element for mechanical refrigerators comprising a header, duct loops depending from the header and connected thereto in parallel, said loops being arranged in two series, one series comprising a group of loops each having a vertically depending leg substantially laterally offset from the header and a leg depending vertically adjacent the header and including a second group of loops substantially in mirror symmetry with the first group on the opposite side of the vertical axial plane of the header, the corresponding loops in the two groups being in adjacent planes, the second series including loops interspersed between the loops of the first mentioned set, fins disposed on one side of the header and attached to the loops of one group, and similar fins disposed on the other side of the header and attached to the loops of the other group, corresponding fins on the opposite sides of the header lying in substantially the same plane.

9. A cooling unit for mechanical refrigerators comprislng, a header, fins extending from one side of said header and elongated in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, fins extending from another side of the header and elongated in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, said fins being arranged in sets, and means for reducing the temperature gradient between the parts of the wing adjacent the tip thereof and those adjacent the header to establish a more nearly uniform and effective temperature difference between the fin wing and the medium to be cooled-thereby, said means comprising ducts connected with the header and arranged in sets, a set for each set of fins, one duct of a set being thermally connected to one wing of a set relatively near the vertical axis of the header and another duct of the set extending a substantial distance laterally and relatively more remote from the vertical axis of the header and thermally connected with another win of the set at a region of the wing at least mi way to the tip of the wing.

10. A cooling unit for mechanical refri erators comprising, a header, fins exten in from one side of said header and elongate in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, fins extending from another side of the header and elongated in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, said fins being arranged in sets, the fins comprising a set being arranged in substantially the same plane, and means for reducing the temperature gradient between the parts of the wing adjacent the tip thereof and those adjacent the header to establish a more nearly uniform and effective temperature difference between the fin wing and the medium to be cooled thereby, said means comprising ducts connected with the header and arranged in sets, a set for each set of fins, one duct of a set being thermally connected to one wing of a set relatively near the vertical axis of the header and another duct of the set extending a substantial distance laterally and relatively more remote from the vertical axis of the header and thermally connected with another wing of the set at a region of the wing at least midway to the tip of the wing.

11. A cooling unit for mechanical refriger ators comprising, a header, fins I extending from opposite sides of the header and elongated in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, said fins being arranged in sets, the fins comprising a set being arranged in substantially the same plane, and means for reducing the temperature gradient between the parts of the wing adjacent the tip thereof and those adjacent the header to establish a more nearly uniform and effective temperature difierence between the fin wing and the medium to be cooled thereby, said means comprising ducts connected with the header and arranged in sets, a set for each set of fins, one duct of a set being thermally connected to one wing of a set relativel header and another duct of the set extending a substantial distance laterally and relatively more remote from the vertical axis of the header and thermally connected with another wing of the set at a region of the wing.at least midway to the tip of the wing.

12. A cooling unit for mechanical refrigerators comprising, a header, fin means extend ing from the header and elongated in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, means for reducing the temperature gradient between the parts of the wing adjacent the tipv thereof and those adjacent the header to establish a more nearly uniform and efi'ective temperature difference between the fin wing and the medium to be cooled thereby, said means comprising refrigerant ducts connected with near the vertical axis of the 7 header and extendin 'a substantial distance laterally outwardly t erefrom to a region of the wing at least midway to the tip of the wing, and ducts without fins connected with the header and interspersed between the fins.

13. A cooling unit for mechanical refrigerators, comprising, a header, fin means extending from the header and elongated in a lateral direction to form wing type fins, means for reducing the temperature gradient between the parts of the wing ad'acent the tip thereof and those adjacent the ea'der to establish a more nearly uniform and effective temperature difference between the fin wing and the medium to be cooled thereby, said means com-- prising refrigerant ducts connected with header and extendin a substantial distance laterally outwardly t erefrom to a region of the wing at least midway to thetip of the win and ducts without fins connected with the header and extending to a lesser degree laterally than the first named ducts and interspersed between the fins.

14. A cooling unit. adapted to be placed in the path of cooling medium flowing thereover for cooling such medium, said cooling unit comprising, a plurality of fins arranged in groups, certain fins of a plurality of groups being arranged in substantially the same plane, a header, a pluralit of ducts connected with the header, said ucts being arranged in sets and the ducts of a set lyin substantially in said plane of the fins, sai sets of ducts including a duct thermally connected with one of said certain fins relatively near the vertical axis of the header and including a duct thermally connected with another of said certain fins relatively more remote from the vertical axis of the header.

15. A cooling unit adapted to be placed in the path of cooling medium flowing there over for cooling such medium, said coolin unit comprising, a plurality of fins arrange in groups, certain fins of a plurality of groups being arranged in substantially the same plane, a series of. duct loops arranged insets and the loops of a set lyin in substantially said plane of the fins, said sets of loops including a duct leg thermally connected with one of said certain fins relatively near the central portion of the cooling unit and including a duct leg thermally connected with another of said fins relatively more remote from said central portion of the cooling unit.

16. A refri erator comprising, a cabinet having a fOOfF storage section and a cooling unit section intercommunicating with one another for the free passa e of circulating 60 air therebetween, a relativel y wide and relagtively shallow cooling unit within the'cooling section for cooling such air, said cooling unit comprising a plurality of; wide fins in intimate thermal. contact with a refrigerant,

65 said fins beingspaced from one another and disposed to provide a plurality of open endsignature.

JESSE G. KING. 

